A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit York or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit York or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

York and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although York and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Annecy is more touristy than York and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and York. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Annecy?

York is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in York or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Annecy both to be world-class destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is York or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

York is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is York or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both York and Annecy.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Is York or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Annecy?

Both York and Annecy are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is York or Annecy Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its family-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is York or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is York or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both York and Annecy offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is York or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or York?

How long in York or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Annecy. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in York than Annecy. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in York than Annecy. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in York, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than York. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Annecy if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in York.

One day in York or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Annecy?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in York.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is York Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Annecy?

York has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of York and Annecy, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit York or Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Annecy. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Annecy. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Annecy. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. York is around the same temperature as Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Annecy. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Annecy. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Annecy. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and York